From July 24-28, five Florida public high school teachers came together to work on an NSF-funded research project and professional development opportunity titled “Research Experience for Florida High School Teachers in Plant Pathology.”

During the weeklong workshop, teachers engaged in enriching hands-on experience in the cutting-edge science of molecular and plant pathology. They worked side-by-side with the Song Lab to develop lesson plans that will help students better understand agriculture and food security issues. Selected teachers received a stipend for their participation.

As climate change brings warmer temperatures, scientists say we can expect an increase in the intensity of diseases facing crops. And, with an ever-growing and hungry population, our crops will need to rise to this challenge. As scientists find ways to grow more resilient crops, their findings also lead to drug development for humans as well.

Wen-Yuan Song, an assistant professor in the department of plant pathology at UF and the project’s principal investigator, hopes that exposing the next generation of scientists to his research showed them that it has real-world benefits.

“I’m excited to show our educators that the information gained from this research may contribute to both crop improvement and rational drug design for human diseases,” Song said. “My hope is the teachers bring this information back to their classrooms and inspire students to consider careers in plant pathology.”

A cohort of five Florida high school teachers were selected, with a preference given to those who teach at schools that receive Title I funds.

Learn more

This is the second in a series of four annual workshops funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Learn more about Cohort I.

2023-24 Cohort

This is the second cohort funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Learn more about the project in our press release.

Workshop Dates & Location:

This yearlong cohort began with an initial weeklong workshop on July 24-28, 2023, at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida. The program runs through Spring 2024.

Workshop Benefits:

At the end of this yearlong program, participants will gain the following:

• Authentic scientific research experience
• Access to a teacher-scientist network related to the project for continued scientific support
• A chance to collaborate with peers and co-develop practical lessons for the classroom
• A chance to expose students to scientist role models and careers in science
• Chance to have a scientist visit your classroom
• A $1,000 stipend for successful completion of the program

Workshop Components:

• Presentations and seminars
• Lab time
• Teacher-teacher and teacher-scientist collaboration
• Lesson development
• Area field trips

Workshop Expectations:

To receive the $1,000 stipend, participants must:

• Attend the entire PD and all required sessions
• Successfully complete a PD lesson in the classroom during the 2023-2024 school year.
• Complete regular check-ins with the project team after the PD has concluded.
• Schedule a visit with a scientist to their classroom during the 2023-2024 school year.
• Following standard policies and procedures, participate in and complete any evaluations, assessments, and surveys required as part of the program.

Instructors

• Dr. Wen-Yuan Song Lab (UF/IFAS)
• Stephanie Killingsworth, Scientist in Every Florida School
• Brian Abramowitz, Scientist in Every Florida School

Funding Sources